rain down

To fall from above in large amounts, like drops of water.

• Snow rained down on us.
• Sparks rained down from the burning roof.
• Bits of glass were raining down onto the street.

How to use it: rain down on someone/something (Confetti rained down on the dancers.); rain down from something (Dust rained down from the ceiling.)

Similar words: fall, shower down

Common phrases: rain down on someone, rain down from above

To send large amounts of something falling from above.

• The clouds rained down hail.
• The volcano rained down ash on nearby villages.
• Soldiers rained arrows down on the enemy.

How to use it: rain down something on someone/something (The aircraft rained down bombs on the city.)

Similar words: shower, pour down

Common phrases: rain down something, rain something down

To hit or attack someone many times, or with great force.

• Blows rained down on him.
• Criticism rained down on the new manager.
• She rained down insults on her opponent.

How to use it: rain down something on someone (The gang rained down blows on him.); rain down on someone (Criticism rained down on the minister.)

Similar words: shower, heap

Common phrases: rain down blows, rain down on someone

To appear or arrive suddenly in large numbers.

• Offers rained down after her victory.
• Donations rained down on the small charity.
• Messages have been raining down since the announcement.

How to use it: rain down on someone (Job offers rained down on her after the award.)

Similar words: pour in, flood in

Common phrases: rain down on someone, rain down upon someone